Revolution in shore power supply for cruise ships

To supply power to a cruise ship, the LNG HYBRID Barge must be connected to a corresponding connection box on the terminal site. For this purpose, 4 power cables + 1 neutral conductor + 2 control cables + 1 optical cable must be transferred ashore. A regular tide (water level change) of approx. 3.6 m, wave formation due to passing ships and a constant movement of the LNG HYBRID barge must be taken into account in the port of Hamburg. Furthermore, the requirements of IEC 80005 and shipbuilding class requirements must be implemented in the design and the weather conditions in the harbour must be taken into account.
The installation space on the LNG HYBRID barge was severely restricted and posed a particular challenge during development.

On behalf of Becker Marine Systems, the company igus® developed the first ever cable carrier system with maritime approval by the Bureau Veritas classification society for connecting the LNG HYBRID barge to the connection platform or connection box at the berth in Magdeburg harbour. The cable carrier system also serves as a gangway or access to the barge. The system consists of the following components: Base frame, lifting element, tilting frame, swivel bearing, telescopic gangway, energy chain (with cable and connector). To ensure that the system is as low-maintenance as possible, the corresponding bearings were fitted with additional igus® components such as the iglidur®® plain bearing.